By Naomi Finkel

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. About 40,000 women will die each year from the disease. The good news is right now in the United States there are two and a half million breast cancer survivors. Naomi Finkel, a member of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village, is one of the survivors.

Early detection contributed to Finkel's survival. She was aware that many low income women could not afford to pay for a mammogram, however, she was told that right here in the Conejo Valley, there are local agencies that provide free mammograms for the uninsured and needy women. One is the Westminster Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks.

With the support of her Rotary Club and the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks Rotary Clubs, eight years ago Finkel organized "Bear Hugs for Mammograms." Every October, hundreds of fuzzy pandas, grizzlies and polar bears, peeking out from colorful gift bags, are sold to Rotarians, friends and companies who thank their employees with Bear Hugs. A descriptive card attached to the bags describes the program. A donation of $20 for each bear is 100% tax deductible; all contributions go to the Westminster Free Clinic.

Since the formation of Bear Hugs for Mammograms eight years ago, thousands of dollars have enabled hundreds of women to receive free mammograms. The women hear about the clinic from friends and from local agencies. They are referred to a local radiology practice and Westminster pays the cost. If an abnormality is found, the women are referred to local county clinics for medical treatment. According to Lisa Safaeinili, Executive Director of Westminster, "Your Rotary Clubs have made a tremendous difference in the lives of these women and their families."

Ed Pope, the 2007 Chair for Bear Hugs for Mammograms, also was motivated by a personal experience. A few months ago, Pope discovered a lump on his breast. He recalled that a guest speaker at his Rotary Club during Breast Cancer Awareness Month stressed that, while far less common, men can also get breast cancer. After an ultra sound, a biopsy, a mammogram, and a lumpectomy, he got the news... his tumor was benign.

Ed Pope encourages everyone to help provide free mammograms for the working poor and the uninsured. If a company or organization orders ten or more bears, they will receive free delivery. This is a special way to help others in your community while giving Bear Hugs. These cuddly bears make great gifts for children and grandchildren. Contact Pope at (818) 991-8500, ext. 1001. A grrr...eat way to go!